Ashlyn Lipnicky, Patricia J. Kelly and Megha Ramaswamy
The purpose of this study is to measure Facebook (FB) use as a tool for maintaining research contact with hard-to-reach women with criminal justice histories.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to measure Facebook (FB) use as a tool for maintaining research contact with hard-to-reach women with criminal justice histories.
Design/methodology/approach
Retrospective data were analyzed from a jail health intervention. Bivariate analysis compared the rates of follow-up between FB group users and non-FB group users at one post-intervention time point. Multivariate models explored predictors for FB group follow-up.
Findings
Among 184 participants, 89 (48.4%) used the private research FB group. This group was more likely to complete the follow-up survey one year after enrollment compared to non-FB group users (P = 0.002). Regression analyses showed that, compared to non-FB group users, FB group users were more likely to be younger and have a history of sexually transmitted infections.
Practical implications
FB is popular among women with criminal justice histories. Use of this social media site with study participants from hard-to-reach populations may enhance study retention.
Originality/value
This paper fills a gap in examining the long-term use of FB as a research strategy to maintain contain with typically hard-to-reach populations.
Details
Keywords
Amanda Emerson, Ashlyn Lipnicky, Bernard Schuster and Patricia J. Kelly
The USA outpaces most other countries in the world in the rates at which it incarcerates its citizens. The one million women held in US jails and prisons on any day in the USA…
Abstract
Purpose
The USA outpaces most other countries in the world in the rates at which it incarcerates its citizens. The one million women held in US jails and prisons on any day in the USA face many physical health challenges, yet interventional work to address physical health in carceral settings is rare. This study’s purpose was to summarize the literature on programs and interventions implemented with women in US carceral settings (jail or prison) that primarily addressed a physical health issue or need.
Design/methodology/approach
A scoping review was conducted. The authors searched databases, reference lists, individual journals and websites for physical health program descriptions/evaluations and research studies, 2000–2020, that included women and were set in the USA.
Findings
The authors identified 19 articles and a range of problem areas, designs, settings and samples, interventions/programs, outcomes and uses of theory. The authors identified two cross-cutting themes: the carceral setting as opportunity and challenges of ethics and logistics.
Research limitations/implications
Much potential remains for researchers to have an impact on health disparities by addressing physical health needs of women during incarceration.
Originality/value
Interventional and programmatic work to address physical health needs of women during incarceration is sparse and diversely focused. This review uniquely summarizes the existing work in a small and overlooked but important area of research and usefully highlights gaps in that literature.